On September 29, 2024, Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), led by Herbert Kickl, achieved a historic victory, securing 29.2% of the vote in the country’s national election. This marks the first time a far-right party has won a national parliamentary election in Austria since World War II. The election results also saw Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s conservative Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) finish second with 26.5%, and the Social Democrats (SPÖ) coming in third with 21%. The Greens, who were part of the outgoing coalition government with Nehammer’s party, lost their majority in the lower house.
Key Issues Driving the FPÖ’s Success
The FPÖ capitalized on widespread public dissatisfaction with several key issues, including immigration, inflation, the war in Ukraine, and the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Austria, like much of Europe, has seen rising costs of living, and voters expressed concern about the impact of migration on social services. The FPÖ’s campaign promised to implement stricter immigration policies and called for what it termed “remigration,” a controversial policy aimed at deporting undocumented immigrants and restricting the right to asylum.
The party also criticized the current Austrian government’s stance on Ukraine, specifically its support for sanctions against Russia and military aid to Ukraine. In its election platform titled “Fortress Austria,” the FPÖ promised to end Austria’s involvement in the European Sky Shield Initiative, a missile defense project led by Germany. Instead, the FPÖ advocated for a more neutral foreign policy, which resonated with voters concerned about Austria’s military neutrality.
Political Landscape and Future Challenges
Despite the FPÖ’s electoral success, forming a government may prove difficult. Austria’s proportional representation system requires coalition-building, and many of Kickl’s political rivals have openly stated they will not form a government with him. Kickl, who previously served as Austria’s interior minister and is known for his hardline views, will need to find a coalition partner to secure a parliamentary majority. However, Chancellor Nehammer has reiterated his pre-election stance that he will not join forces with the FPÖ.
Herbert Kickl’s leadership style has drawn both support and criticism. He has been a central figure in shaping the FPÖ’s strategies since 2021 and has consistently pushed for a hardline stance on immigration and Austrian nationalism. His rhetoric has resonated with many voters who feel disconnected from the country’s traditional political elites, but it has also raised alarms among political opponents who accuse him of undermining democratic institutions.
Kickl’s opposition to the European Union has been another focal point of his platform. He has called for the repatriation of powers from Brussels to Vienna and criticized Austria’s involvement in European projects like NATO and the WHO, which he views as threats to Austrian sovereignty. Kickl has framed his campaign as a fight against what he calls the “elites” in Brussels, urging voters to take back control from the EU.
The Role of International Networks
The FPÖ’s rise is part of a broader trend across Europe, where far-right parties have gained momentum. Far-right leaders such as Marine Le Pen of France, Geert Wilders of the Netherlands, and Alice Weidel of Germany’s AfD party celebrated the FPÖ’s victory as a sign that their movement is gaining strength across Europe. The FPÖ’s success is seen as part of a transnational network of far-right groups that share similar ideologies, particularly on issues like immigration, nationalism, and opposition to the EU.
Notably, the FPÖ has been influenced by global far-right movements such as Generation Identity, a European white nationalist group advocating for “remigration.” This movement has roots in France but is especially strong in Austria. Martin Sellner, the Austrian leader of Generation Identity, has been a vocal supporter of the FPÖ and celebrated the party’s victory as a “dream result.” The term “remigration” gained traction through far-right circles across Europe, and even beyond, with figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump calling for similar policies.
Extremist Influence and Conspiracy Theories
The FPÖ’s rise has been accompanied by the growing influence of alternative media outlets and conspiracy theories. The party has gained support from individuals and groups that promote skepticism of COVID-19 vaccines, climate change denial, and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. Some FPÖ politicians have openly aligned themselves with these views, including Michael Gruber, an FPÖ member of parliament who posted a video showing him throwing a rainbow flag into a trash bin during his campaign.
Kickl has also tapped into anti-government sentiment by promoting conspiracy theories, particularly related to the pandemic and international organizations like the WHO. He has used terms like “climate communism” and “WHO dictatorship” to appeal to a broader base of voters who distrust traditional political and scientific institutions. This approach has allowed the FPÖ to broaden its support beyond traditional far-right voters to include conspiracy theorists and those skeptical of the government’s handling of the pandemic.
A major concern surrounding the FPÖ’s victory is the potential impact on Austria’s democracy and social cohesion. Critics argue that the FPÖ’s rhetoric and policies pose a danger to Austria’s minority groups, independent media, and democratic institutions. The party’s hardline stance on immigration, coupled with its ties to extremist movements, has raised fears that Austria could see further political polarization and social tension in the coming years.
Historical Context and Broader Implications
The FPÖ’s electoral win represents a significant moment in Austrian politics. Founded in 1956 by Anton Reinthaller, a former Nazi official, the party has long been a controversial force in Austrian politics. It has seen both periods of growth and decline, notably in 1999 when it received 26.9% of the vote but suffered a major setback in 2019 following a corruption scandal involving then-leader Heinz-Christian Strache. The FPÖ’s return to prominence under Kickl marks the party’s strongest showing yet.
The FPÖ’s success in Austria also reflects broader shifts in European politics. As economic challenges like inflation continue to affect voters, far-right parties across Europe have gained ground by capitalizing on frustrations with the political establishment. The FPÖ’s victory, alongside similar gains made by far-right parties in countries like Germany, Italy, and France, signals a wider realignment in European politics.
In conclusion, while the FPÖ’s electoral success marks a turning point in Austria’s post-World War II history, the future remains uncertain. Herbert Kickl’s ability to form a coalition and lead Austria will depend on his ability to navigate a deeply polarized political landscape. As Austria’s political future unfolds, the broader implications of this election will likely resonate across Europe and beyond.
This article is based on the following articles:
https://www.npr.org/2024/09/30/g-s1-25385/austria-election-far-right
Background Information
1. What is the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ)?
The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) is a political party in Austria that was founded in 1956. Its roots are controversial because it was started by former Nazi officials after World War II. The FPÖ has been known for its nationalistic and far-right views, which often focus on limiting immigration, opposing the European Union, and promoting Austrian identity. Over the years, the party has gained both popularity and criticism due to its strong stances on these issues. It has participated in Austrian politics for decades, but its recent election victory in 2024 is the first time a far-right party has won a national election since World War II.
2. Austria’s Government and Elections
Austria is a democratic country with a parliamentary system, meaning that political parties compete in elections to win seats in parliament. The party or coalition of parties with the majority of seats forms the government, and its leader becomes the chancellor (similar to a prime minister). In the 2024 election, no party won more than 50% of the vote, meaning that a coalition government will likely be necessary. A coalition government is one where multiple parties work together to form a majority and govern the country. This makes Austria’s political system different from places where one party typically controls the government on its own, like in some countries with a two-party system.
3. Understanding Far-Right Politics
Far-right politics refers to political groups or movements that hold extreme nationalist, anti-immigration, and often anti-establishment views. Far-right parties like the FPÖ often focus on protecting their national identity, promoting strict immigration controls, and opposing multiculturalism. They tend to appeal to voters who are frustrated with mainstream political parties and who feel that their country’s culture and way of life are threatened by outside influences, such as immigration or international organizations like the European Union. In Austria, the FPÖ has capitalized on these feelings by promoting policies that favor limiting immigration and reducing the influence of international bodies.
4. The European Union (EU)
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 European countries that cooperate on issues like trade, travel, and lawmaking. Austria is a member of the EU, which means it follows many laws and agreements that apply to all EU countries. However, the FPÖ has been critical of the EU, arguing that Austria should have more control over its own laws and policies. Far-right parties across Europe often argue against the EU because they believe it takes too much power away from individual countries. This is a key part of why the FPÖ wants Austria to distance itself from the EU and its policies.
5. Immigration in Austria
Immigration has been a major political issue in Austria, especially in recent years. Many immigrants have come to Austria from countries affected by war or poverty, seeking a better life. However, some Austrians believe that immigration puts pressure on public services like healthcare and education. Others are concerned about cultural changes that come with immigration. The FPÖ has used these concerns to build support, promising to limit the number of immigrants coming to Austria and to deport those who are in the country illegally. The party’s strong stance on immigration is a major reason for its success in the 2024 election.
6. Nationalism and “Remigration”
Nationalism is a belief that a nation’s culture, identity, and interests should come first. In the context of far-right politics, it often means putting a strong emphasis on keeping the country “pure” or free from foreign influence. The FPÖ promotes nationalism by advocating for strict immigration policies and prioritizing Austrian identity. One controversial concept promoted by the FPÖ is “remigration,” which refers to the forced return of immigrants to their home countries. This idea is popular among far-right groups who believe that immigrants do not belong in Austria or other European countries. However, this policy has been widely criticized as discriminatory and harmful to people who have settled in Austria for many years.
7. The Impact of Inflation
Inflation is the increase in the prices of goods and services over time. When inflation is high, the cost of living goes up, which can make it harder for people to afford basic necessities like food, housing, and healthcare. In recent years, inflation has been a major issue in Austria, as it has in many other countries. The war in Ukraine, disruptions in global trade, and the COVID-19 pandemic have all contributed to rising prices. Far-right parties like the FPÖ have used this issue to criticize the government, arguing that it has failed to protect ordinary people from the economic hardships caused by inflation.
8. Austria’s Military Neutrality
Austria has a policy of military neutrality, which means it does not formally align with any military alliances like NATO. This policy dates back to after World War II, when Austria agreed not to join any military pacts as part of a treaty with the Allied powers. While Austria is a member of the European Union, it does not belong to NATO. The FPÖ, in particular, has emphasized Austria’s neutrality in its foreign policy platform. It has criticized the government’s support for sanctions against Russia and argued that Austria should not be involved in military projects like the European Sky Shield Initiative, which aims to improve missile defense systems across Europe.
9. The Role of Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories are false or misleading ideas that suggest secret plans or plots are behind major world events. During the COVID-19 pandemic, conspiracy theories spread widely on social media and alternative news sites, particularly among far-right groups. These theories claimed that the pandemic was being used by governments and organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) to control people. Some far-right parties, including the FPÖ, have attracted supporters by questioning official explanations for the pandemic and promoting these conspiracy theories. These false ideas have contributed to distrust in governments and international organizations, helping far-right movements grow in popularity.
10. Austria’s History with Far-Right Politics
Austria’s relationship with far-right politics is shaped by its history during and after World War II. During the war, Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany, and many Austrians supported the Nazi regime. After the war, Austria worked to rebuild its democracy, and far-right movements remained small for many years. However, in the 1980s and 1990s, the FPÖ began gaining support by focusing on issues like immigration and national identity. While the party’s connection to Nazi ideology has been a source of controversy, it has continued to grow in popularity, especially among voters who are dissatisfied with Austria’s traditional political parties.
11. Far-Right Movements in Europe
Austria’s FPÖ is part of a larger trend in Europe, where far-right parties have gained ground in recent years. Parties like Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in France, Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom in the Netherlands, and Alice Weidel’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) have seen increased support, particularly during times of economic hardship or political uncertainty. These parties often share similar goals: limiting immigration, promoting nationalism, and opposing the European Union. The FPÖ’s victory in Austria has been celebrated by these far-right leaders as part of a broader movement to shift European politics in a more nationalist and anti-immigration direction.
12. The Importance of Coalitions in Austrian Politics
Because of Austria’s system of proportional representation, it is rare for a single party to win an outright majority in parliament. This means that political parties must form coalitions in order to govern. A coalition is an agreement between two or more parties to work together and share power. After the 2024 election, it is likely that a coalition will be necessary for the FPÖ or another party to form a government. However, forming a coalition can be difficult when parties have very different ideas and policies, as seen in the reluctance of other Austrian parties to form a coalition with the FPÖ.
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